Method and system for verifying entitlement to play a game using a biometric identifier

ABSTRACT

A player is permitted to participate in an interactive gaming event from a remote location, such as a hotel room or home computer, once the player&#39;s entitlement to participate has been confirmed using a biometric identifier. One method of the invention includes first verifying the identity of a potential player of a gaming event, such as by verifying the age of the player. If verified, the fingerprint of the player is obtained and the fingerprint is stored in association with an assigned identification code. When a player requests to participate in a gaming event from a remote location, the player&#39;s identification code is received from the player and is used to locate the corresponding stored fingerprint. The player then transmits their scanned fingerprint. If the transmitted fingerprint and stored fingerprint match, the player is verified as entitled to participate in the gaming event.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to methods for verifying theidentity of a player of a game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Interactive gaming continues to grow despite obstacles to itsimplementation and regulatory approval. Interactive gaming currentlyexists in several forms. One form of interactive gaming is “on-line”gaming. Numerous gaming operators operate websites which permit playersto engage in gaming activities such as betting and playing wager-typegames. These gaming operators generally operate servers from locationswhere on-line gaming is legal. Because of the world-wide access to suchwebsites via the Internet, players of these games may, however, belocated in a jurisdiction where gaming is illegal.

[0003] Another form of interactive gaming is closed network gaming, suchas “in-room” gaming. Many casinos are considering implementing or haveimplemented gaming systems which permit patrons to engage in gamingactivities from their rooms.

[0004] Gaming, especially in the United States, is a highly regulatedindustry. Many rules and regulations govern aspects of gaming. Theserules and regulations have been implemented for a variety of reasons,including to address general social or societal concerns, and to protectthe players. For example, laws exist which govern the approval of gamesand gaming machines, and which set the minimum age of a player.

[0005] These rules and regulations were directed at land-based casinos.With respect to an age limitation, for example, security personnel at acasino may observe the player to ensure that they are of sufficient ageto play the game. If necessary, the personnel can check the player'sidentification to verify their age.

[0006] A number of problems have emerged with the advent of interactivegaming. First, gaming is now accessible to players who are located injurisdictions where gaming is not legal. Second, even where gaming islegal, regulators are concerned about ensuring that rules andregulations address societal concerns and protect players, and thatthese rules and regulations can be enforced. As a result, regulators arecurrently considering the various impacts of interactive gaming andconsidering various rules and regulations specifically directed tointeractive gaming and how to enforce those rules and regulations.

[0007] One particular concern of regulators is ensuring that a player isentitled to play a game. For example, regulators wish to ensure that aplayer is of sufficient age to play the game. This means thatentitlement of a player to play a game must be verified. Several meanshave been proposed for identifying a player, such as by use of anidentification code which is issued to a player whose identity isconfirmed. The player may use the identification code at a later time toidentify themselves.

[0008] A significant concern of regulators, however, is the probabilitythat such systems of verification may be thwarted or tricked. Forexample, one player may log on to a gaming system and then permitanother player to play. A minor child may learn his parent's access codeand engage in in-room game play.

[0009] A method and system for identifying a player and ensuring thatonly an authorized player is permitted to play and is playing a game isdesired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is a method of verifying entitlement of aplayer to play a game. In one embodiment, the method is implemented in asystem which permits a player to participate in a gaming event, such asa wagering game or other betting event, from a remote location.

[0011] In one embodiment, a method of identifying a player fordetermining entitlement of that player to participate in a gaming eventincludes the step of verifying the identity of a potential player of agaming event. In one embodiment, the verifying step includes verifyingthat the potential player is of sufficient age to participate in agaming event. The method includes the steps of obtaining a fingerprintof the potential player, generating an identification code, associatingthe identification code with the fingerprint and storing the fingerprintand identification code.

[0012] When a request is received from the player to participate in agaming event, the player provides their assigned identification code.The identification code is used to locate a corresponding storedfingerprint. The player then provides their fingerprint and thatfingerprint is compared to the stored fingerprint. If the fingerprintaccepted from the player and the stored fingerprint match, the player isverified as entitled to participate in the gaming event.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment, the player's fingerprint is scannedat the time the player wishes to play a game, and the scannedfingerprint information is transmitted and compared to the storedfingerprint information. In one embodiment, the method includes thesteps of presenting a gaming event and accepting the fingerprint fromthe player at one or more times during the gaming event, comparing thefingerprint with the stored fingerprint and permitting continuedparticipation in the gaming event if the accepted fingerprint and thestored fingerprint match. In another embodiment, the player'sfingerprint is continuously scanned and transmitted for comparison tothe stored fingerprint.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of creating adatabase of stored fingerprints of unauthorized players and comparing ascanned fingerprint of a player with the stored fingerprints ofunauthorized players and preventing partcipation in the gaming event ifthe scanned fingerprint and one of the stored fingerprints of theunauthorized players match.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method may be implemented in a casinoenvironment. The environment includes a game server and a database.Remote game stations are linked to the server. The game stations maycomprise, for example, televisions located in rooms of the casino.

[0016] When a player checks in to the hotel, the player's fingerprint isscanned and identification code is issued. The remote game stationincludes a fingerprint scanner. When a player requests to play a gamefrom the room, the player's fingerprint is scanned and the informationis transmitted to the server. The server compares the scannedfingerprint with the player's fingerprint information stored in thedatabase.

[0017] In another embodiment, the system may be a game system includinga player's home computer, a game kiosk or the like. In this embodiment,the player's computer may be linked to a game server by a telephonelink, the Internet or the like. Once again, the player's computer isprovided with a fingerprint scanner for scanning and providingfingerprint information.

[0018] In one embodiment, the fingerprint scanner comprises afingerprint scanning pad. In other embodiments, the fingerprint scannercan be clipped or attached to a finger of a player. In yet anotherembodiment, the fingerprint scanner is associated with an input device,such as a computer mouse.

[0019] In accordance with the invention a player's identity andentitlement to participate in a gaming event are determined using abiometric identifier. The method and system prevents a player fromswitching places with or posing as an authorized player.

[0020] Further objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention over the prior art will become apparent from the detaileddescription of the drawings which follows, when considered with theattached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 illustrates a system for verifying the identity of a playerin accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022]FIG. 2 illustrates another system in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0023]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a fingerprint scanning devicefor use in determining player identity in accordance with the invention;

[0024]FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a fingerprint scanningdevice for use in determining player identity in accordance with theinvention; and

[0025]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of identifying aplayer in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The invention is a method and system for verifying entitlement ofa player to play a game. In the following description, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description ofthe present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled inthe art, that the present invention may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known features have not beendescribed in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

[0027] In general, the invention is a system and method for verifyingthat a player is entitled to play a game. In accordance with theinvention, the identity of a player is confirmed using a biometric, andmore particularly, a fingerprint of the player. The system and methodare particularly suited to identifying a player when the player wishesto play a game or participate in an event from a remote location. Thesystem and method may be applied to other environments, however,including that where the player is actually at present where the game orbetting event is occurring, such as a casino.

[0028] The present invention has applicability to a wide variety ofgames and other events. The method and apparatus of the invention hasparticular applicability to “gambling” events, that is, a game or eventinvolving or including a wager. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, such an event preferably results in the player being awardeda reward in the event of a winning outcome. The game or event may thuscomprise a video poker game, for example, or sports or other eventbetting.

[0029]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system 20 in accordancewith the invention in which a game is presented or a player is permittedto engage in a betting event “on-line.” A game or event host 22 presentsthe game or sponsors a betting event.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system 20 includes a game server 24. Thegame server 24 may comprise a variety of combinations of hardware and/orsoftware. In general, the game server 24 is adapted to facilitate thepresentation of or directly present a gaming or gambling event to playerwho is located remotely.

[0031] The game server 24 may comprise a computing device including aprocessor and a memory. Preferably, the game server 24 includes, or isassociated with, a communication interface permitting information to betransmitted to and received from another device. The communicationinterface may be arranged to implement a wired or wireless communicationprotocol, such as, for example, a cabled RS-232 or IEEE-1394 (Firewire™)connection/protocol, or a wireless infrared transmitter/receiver orIEEE-802.11(b) (Bluetooth™) connection/protocol.

[0032] In one embodiment, the game server 24 may comprise multipledevices. For example, the game server 24 may comprise a data storagedevice, a communication interface, a processing device and/or otherdevices connected to one another, such as located on a local areanetwork (LAN).

[0033] With respect to the presentation of a gaming event, the gameserver 24 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the gameserver 24 may be arranged to accept player identification information,accept wager or bet information, accept player game input, generate gameevent information, determine gaming event outcome, generate winning oraward information, and generate or present a wide variety of otherevents/information.

[0034] The types of gaming events which may be presented utilizing thegame server 24 may be varied. For example, the game server 24 may bearranged to accept sports or other event bets. The game server 24 mayalso be arranged to generate video game information, such as video slotor video poker game information. In general, the game server 24 may bearranged to generate game information in a manner similar to a widevariety of known games which are already presented on stand-alone ornetworked gaming machines.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the system 20 includes a database 26or other data storage element. In one embodiment, the database 26comprises a memory device, such as a semiconductor type memory device(e.g. RAM, EEPROM or other flash memory), magnetic type memory device(e.g. hard drives), or optical type memory device (e.g. CD/DVD), orother data storage devices now known or later developed. The game server24 is permitted to communicate with the database 26, such as to obtaininformation from the database, as detailed below.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game server 24 is preferably incommunication at one or more times with one or more remote playerdevices/computers 28 via one or more communication links or pathways. Inone embodiment, there may be more than one communication link orpathway, and such may be varied. One such communication pathway may bevia phone lines 30, such as through local and long-distancetelecommunication carriers. Such a pathway may be referred to as adirect connection, in that the end points of the communication pathwayremain dedicated to one another during a particular communicationsession. It will be understood that this pathway may vary depending on avariety of factors, including the mode of data transfer. For example,the pathway may be through land lines, or through wireless links, suchas satellite links. The pathway may also include one or more cellularwireless links.

[0037] Another communication pathway may be by a global communicationnetwork such as the Internet 32. As is known, the Internet is acollection of devices arranged as nodes. Addresses are assigned to thedevices, permitting packets of data to be routed through the networkfrom one device to another intended device. In the configuration of theInternet, information is packetized and individual packets of data sentfrom one device to another may be routed over a variety of pathwaysthrough the various nodes of the network.

[0038] Of course, other types of communication links may be utilized totransmit information between the devices. These networks may includelocal area and wide area networks (LANs and WANs).

[0039] In general, these communication links are used to enablecommunication between the game server 24 and a remote player. In oneembodiment, the game and other information is presented to the player attheir remote computer 28, and the player utilizes the computer 28 toprovide inputs. The computer 28 may be a variety of devices includinghardware and/or software. In one embodiment, the computer 28 may be adesktop or laptop computer used for a variety of purposes. The computer28 may also be specially adapted to enable the player to participate ina gaming event. For example, the computer 28 might comprise a speciallyconfigured kiosk or station.

[0040] In general, the computer 28 may include a processing device, amemory, a display, at least one input device, and at least onecommunication interface. The processor is preferably arranged to executeprogram code. The display may comprise a CRT, LED, plasma or other typeof device. The input device may comprise a mouse, keyboard and/or otherdevices, as is well known.

[0041] In similar fashion to the game server 24, the computer 28preferably includes a communication interface permitting information tobe transmitted and received. In this regard, the computer 28 preferablyincludes a communication interface permitting communication via one ofthe pathways to the game server 24, such as the Internet 32 or phonelines 30. The computer 28 may include a telephone modem or cable modemfor this purpose.

[0042] In accordance with the invention, the system 20 also includes abiometric identifier or reader 34. Preferably, this biometric identifieror reader 34 is located at the point of game play, such as at thelocation of the computer 28.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the biometric identifier comprises ameans for reading or otherwise obtaining information regarding afingerprint. Details regarding this means are provided below.

[0044] In general, the biometric identifier 34 is configured to obtainbiometric information for use in confirming the identity of the player.In one embodiment, the biometric identifier 34 is connected to orassociated with the player's computer 28. Information obtained by thebiometric identifier 34 may thus be obtained and transmitted from theplayer's computer 28 to the game or event host 22.

[0045] Various methods in accordance with the invention, including amethod of identifying a player using the system 20, are described inmore detail below.

[0046] Another system 120 in accordance with the invention in which agame or other event is presented “in-room” is illustrated in FIG. 2.This system 120 is very similar to the system 20 described above andillustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, the system 120 again includes ahost which presents the game or betting event. In this embodiment, thehost is a casino 122 or other entity which provides lodging or specificgaming locations. For example, the host might also comprise a cruiseship operator or the like.

[0047] As illustrated, the system 120 includes a game server 124 and adatabase 126. Once again, the game server 124 is configured to generateand present one or more games or gaming events. The database 126 isconfigured to store information.

[0048] In this embodiment, a game or other better event is presented toa player in their room 128 or at some other designated location. Theroom 128 may comprise, for example, a room at an associated hotel of thecasino.

[0049] The system 120 includes means for presenting information to theplayer in the room 128. As illustrated, this means may comprise atelevision 130 located in the room 128. In one embodiment, a tuner 132is provided for selecting particular content to be displayed by thetelevision 130. In other embodiments, instead of a television, acomputer or other device may be used, similar to the configurationillustrated in FIG. 1.

[0050] A communication link 134 is provided between the room 128 and thecasino 122 in like manner to the link between the host 22 and playercomputer 28 in the system 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. This communicationlink 134 may be of a variety of types and utilize various protocols. Inone embodiment, the link 134 may comprise a cable as part of atelevision/cable system for routing cable or television feeds to theeach in-room television 130. In such event, television signals in NTSCor PAL formats may be provided to the television 130.

[0051] The tuner 132 is preferably provided to permit the player toselect among various content, such as various television channels. Inone embodiment, one or more channels are used to present games or gamingevents to a player, as well as execute the method of the presentinvention.

[0052] Like the system 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, this embodiment system120 includes a biometric identifier or reader 136. As with the previousembodiment, the biometric identifier 136 is used to obtain biometricinformation for use by the casino 122. As described below, the reader136 is preferably configured to output data which may be transmitted tothe server 124.

[0053] The system 120 may also include other input devices. For example,the system 120 may include a keypad, mouse, joystick other device ordevices which the player may utilize in their room to provide playerinput.

[0054] Various methods of using this system 120 are described in greaterdetail below.

[0055] The biometric identifier which forms a part of the systems andwhich is used in the methods of the invention may have a variety offorms. As indicated, in a preferred embodiment, the biometric identifieris a device configured to obtain fingerprint information.

[0056] Preferably, the biometric identifier comprises a fingerprintscanner. The scanner may have a variety of forms and operate using avariety of principles. In one embodiment, the scanner is an optical typescanner. Other types of fingerprint scanners now know or later developedmay be used, such as CMOS and ultrasonic type scanners.

[0057] The scanner may have a variety of configurations. For example,the scanner may be of the common “pad” type in which a user pressestheir finger against a generally flat scanning surface, such as a glasspanel.

[0058]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a fingerprint scanner 200 inaccordance with the invention. This embodiment scanner 200 isparticularly useful when used as the biometric identifier of a system 20such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 where the player uses a computer. Asillustrated, the scanner 200 is integrated into a computer mouse 202.The mouse 202 may be of a variety of types, including wired andwireless, optical and track-ball.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated, a scanning surface 204 is locatedon a surface of the mouse 202. As illustrated, the scanning surface 204is preferably located on a surface which the user normally grips withtheir thumb T. Thus, when a user places their hand on the mouse 202,their thumb T rests upon the scanning surface 204.

[0060] Though not illustrated, a fingerprint scanner is integrated intothe mouse 202. For example, an optical scanner may be integrated intothe mouse 202 and be configured to scan the print of a player's thumbplaced on the scanner surface 204.

[0061] Other configurations of scanners 200 may be utilized. Forexample, more than one scanning surface may be provided, and thelocation may vary. For example, the scanning surface may be located toscan a player's index finger and be part of a mouse button.

[0062] The scanning surface may comprise a glass window or othertransparent or substantially transparent member. In one embodiment, themouse may include a housing which is constructed of a substantiallytransparent material through which a fingerprint may be scanned.

[0063] A fingerprint scanner may be integrated into other input devices,such as a keyboard, joystick or the like. In this manner, when theplayer uses the input device, their fingerprint may simultaneously bescanned.

[0064] Another configuration for a fingerprint scanner 300 isillustrated in FIG. 4. This embodiment scanner 302 is particularlyuseful with an embodiment system such as that illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0065] This embodiment scanner 300 comprises a clamp 302. The clamp 302includes generally opposing legs, one of which includes a scanningsurface 304. As illustrated, when the clamp 302 is located on a finger,such as the thumb T, the finger is pressed onto the scanning surface304. An associated fingerprint scanning apparatus reads the fingerprintlocated on the surface 304.

[0066] In another embodiment, the fingerprint scanner may be connectedto the player's finger in other manners. For example, the scanner may beconnected using an adjustable strap, such as one including hook and loopfastening material which may be wrapped about a player's finger.

[0067] The biometric identifier or reader, such as the fingerprintscanners described above, may be configured to provide fingerprintinformation in a variety of manners. For example, referring to thesystem 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, the fingerprint scanner may beconfigured as a USB device, or be connected to the player's computer 28using a serial or parallel port. The manner by which such a peripheraldevice may be associated with a computer are well known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

[0068] In the case of the system 120 illustrated in FIG. 2, thefingerprint scanner may be connected to the television tuner 32.Alternatively, the fingerprint scanner may associated with the system120 in other manners.

[0069] In any event, the fingerprint scanner is preferably configured togenerate fingerprint scan information. This information is provided tothe host or casino, such as by transmission to the server, for use inidentifying the player, as described in greater detail below.

[0070] One embodiment of a method of the invention will now be describedwith reference to FIG. 5. In accordance with one embodiment of a method,in a first step S1, a file is created. Preferably, this file is used tostore information regarding one or more players or potential players.The file may be associated with or stored at a database, such as thedatabase 26,126 of the systems 20,120 described above.

[0071] In a step S2, the identity of a player and/or their eligibilityto play a game or participate in an event is confirmed. This maycomprise, for example, examining identification belonging to the playerto ensure the identity of the player and their age.

[0072] If the player is eligible to participate in game/event play, thenin a step S3, the player's fingerprint is obtained. In one embodiment,this comprises scanning the players's fingerprint. As indicated below,steps S2 and S3 may be performed in person (i.e. not remote) so thatappropriate authorities may confirm the identity of the player inperson.

[0073] In a step S4, an identification code is preferably generated.This code, which may comprise a numeric, text or alpha-numeric code, maybe generated by the player or may be assigned to the player. In oneembodiment, a password may also be assigned or be selected by theplayer.

[0074] In a step S5, the fingerprint and the identificationcode/password are stored at the file. In one embodiment, other playerinformation may be stored at the file, such as the player's name,address and age. The fingerprint information may be stored in a varietyof forms, such as an image file.

[0075] In a step S6, a request is received from a player to play a game.In the case of the system 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, such a request maybe initiated by from a remote location, such as by a player using theircomputer 28. The request may be initiated by the player establishing adial-in connection over the telephone lines 30, or by accessing awebsite or the like operated by the host 22 and accessible by theInternet 32 or another network.

[0076] In one embodiment, in a step S7, a player provides theiridentification code and/or password or other identifying information. Inone embodiment, the identification code is used to initially identifythe player. Using this identification code and/or password, the player'sinformation may be located from the file at the database.

[0077] In a step S8, the player's fingerprint is obtained. In oneembodiment, this comprises the player causing their fingerprint to bescanned, and the fingerprint information to be transmitted from theirlocation (such as their remotely located computer 28) to the host. Forexample, in the case of the systems illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, thefingerprint information is transmitted to the server.

[0078] This fingerprint information is compared to the storedfingerprint information. For example, fingerprint information iscompared to the fingerprint information stored in the database. If thefingerprint information matches, then in a step S9, game play ispermitted. If the fingerprint information does not match, game play orevent participation is not permitted.

[0079] It will be appreciated that the various steps of the method neednot be performed in the order set forth. It will also be appreciatedthat other methods may be used to accomplish the object of theinvention.

[0080] With respect to a system 120 such as that illustrated in FIG. 2,in one embodiment, a player's fingerprint may be obtained when theplayer checks in at a casino. For example, when player checks in totheir room, their fingerprint may be obtained at the front desk. In oneembodiment, the fingerprint of each eligible guest is obtained, such asboth a husband and wife, but not their minor children. Likewise, otherplayer information may be obtained at that time, and the player'sidentification codes and/or passwords assigned.

[0081] In the case of a system 20 such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, aplayer's fingerprint and related information may be obtained by havingthe player “sign up.” For example, a player may travel to a casino or adesignated location to have their fingerprint taken and their age andother identification confirmed.

[0082] In yet another embodiment, a player might be permitted totransmit their fingerprint to the casino or game operator. Thatfingerprint might be confirmed against an existing, secure databasecontaining the player's fingerprint and identity. For example, aplayer's identity might be confirmed using FBI or DMV records includingthe player's fingerprint and identification information.

[0083] In accordance with the invention, it is desired that a player'sfingerprint be used to verify the identity of the player, and thusentitlement of the player to participate in a gaming event, before thegame or event. Thus, the player's fingerprint may simply be obtainedbefore game play.

[0084] The player's fingerprint may also be obtained each time theplayer wishes to play another game. In other words, a player may berequired to provide fingerprint information each time they wish to playa game or participate in a betting event.

[0085] In one embodiment, the player's fingerprint may be obtained atrandom intervals, specific intervals and/or upon the occurrence of otherevents. For example, a player may be required to provide theirfingerprint at random times, including during game play.

[0086] In one embodiment, a player must continuously provide theirfingerprint information or game play or event participation will beterminated. For example, the fingerprint scanner may be configured tocontinuously read and transmit fingerprint information. The player mustcontinuously permit their fingerprint to be scanned or read andcontinuously matched in order for game play to continue. In the case ofthe embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, this means that the playermust maintain their thumb T in contact with the scanning surface 204 atall times during game player, or maintain the clamp 302 in place ontheir finger.

[0087] In one embodiment, a signal or prompt may be generated andtransmitted to the player at various times. The signal or prompt mayrequest that the player confirm their identity by scanning theirfingerprint.

[0088] In one embodiment of the invention, a password or otheridentification code need not be used. In this embodiment, fingerprintsof approved or eligible players may be stored. When a player wishes toplay a game, their fingerprint information may be scanned against allstored fingerprints and if a match occurs, then eligibility isconfirmed. A disadvantage to this method is the length of time which maybe necessary to perform comparisons to find a match.

[0089] In one embodiment, fingerprints of non-authorized or bannedplayers may be stored. As is known, in somejurisdictions, the identitiesof players who are banned from engaging in game play are made known tocasinos. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, thefingerprint of those parties may be obtained. Those fingerprints may betransmitted to the casinos or other entities offering games. As part ofthe method of determining if a player is eligible to play, a player'sfingerprint may be compared to a database of fingerprints of ineligibleplayers. In one embodiment, the fingerprint may be compared when aplayer checks in or seeks to play a game, or at other times.

[0090] In one embodiment, fingerprints of other categories of playersmay be obtained and stored. For example, fingerprints may be obtainedfrom players who do not wish to engage in gaming events or wish to limittheir game play. In such event, if the player attempts to participate ina gaming event, the player may be excluded. In another embodiment, whena match of such a fingerprint occurs, secondary criteria may be examinedbefore determining if the player is permitted to play. For example,criteria may be examined to determine how many times a player hasparticipated in gaming events in a period of time. The player may beexcluded if the player has exceeded a limit of play events. Criteria maybe examined to determine how much money a player has wagered or won orlost participating in gaming events. The player may be excluded if theplayer has exceeded a value limit.

[0091] It will be appreciated that fingerprint information regarding oneor more or all of a player's fingers may be used. In a preferredembodiment, information regarding a player's right thumb-print is used.In this regard, it is noted that the term “fingerprint” includes theprint of a thumb. The term fingerprint is also intended to include theprint of a palm or a portion of the palm or palms of a person, or otherparts of the body. The fingerprint may comprise a variety ofinformation. In one embodiment, the print comprises informationregarding the topography of the skin. The information may comprise otherinformation, however, including a heat signature or the like.

[0092] As indicated, the method includes the use of a biometricidentifier. Other biometric identifiers other than the fingerprint maybe used. For example, the identifier may be a retinal scan or DNA. Insuch event, the information obtained and the manner of obtaining theinformation may vary.

[0093] Various systems other than as described above and illustrated inspecifically in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be utilized. For example, in oneembodiment, a casino may utilize a server to configure and present gameinformation to a player in a room. Storage of player fingerprintinformation and/or verification of fingerprint information may occuroffsite, such as performed by a third party. For example, a centralrepository of fingerprint information may be collected by a verificationentity. Various casinos or gaming operators may gather and send playerfingerprint and identification information to this verification entityfor storage. At the time it is necessary to verify the identity of aplayer, the fingerprint information is obtained and the forwarded to theverification entity. If verification occurs, then a message istransmitted to the casino or gaming operator indicating that the playermay participate in the game or gaming event.

[0094] The method of the invention may also be applied to standardgaming machines on casino floors. For example, in order to ensure theeligibility of a player to play games at such a gaming machine, afingerprint scanner or other biometric identifying device may be locatedat or associated with the gaming machine.

[0095] The method of the invention may also be applied to stand-alonegaming machines or devices which are located at other than a casinofloor. For example, in the future gaming devices may be located in hotelrooms. These gaming devices may be similar to gaming machines currentlyon casino floors. Once again, a fingerprint scanner may be used toobtain biometric information which is transmitted to a remote locationfor verification.

[0096] The invention has numerous advantages. First and foremost, areliable means is provided for verifying the identity of a player. Inaccordance with the invention, this means of identification can not beeasily thwarted. For example, the invention prevents a minor fromplaying a game from a casino/hotel room simply by learning his parentsidentification code or password. Likewise, the system and method preventone player who is eligible to play a game from switching places withanother player.

[0097] The system and method has a number of other security benefits.For example, the system and method can be used to identify players whoare not entitled to participate in gaming events because they have beenbanned by regulatory authorities.

[0098] The system and method can also be used to track playeractivities. For example, a casino or other gaming operator can use thesystem and method to track a particular player's play.

[0099] It will be understood that the above described arrangements ofapparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative ofapplications of the principles of this invention and many otherembodiments and modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of identifying a player for determiningentitlement of that player to participate in a gaming event comprisingthe steps of: verifying the identity of a potential player of a gamingevent; confirming that the potential player is authorized to participatein a gaming event in the future; obtaining a fingerprint of saidpotential player; generating an identification code; associating saididentification code with said fingerprint; storing said fingerprint andidentification code; obtaining a request by a player to participate in agaming event; accepting an identification code from said player; usingsaid identification code to locate a corresponding stored fingerprint;accepting a fingerprint from said player; and comparing said fingerprintwith said stored fingerprint, whereby if said fingerprint accepted fromsaid player and said stored fingerprint match, said player is verifiedas entitled to participate in said gaming event.
 2. The method inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said confirming step includes verifyingthat the potential player is of sufficient age to participate in agaming event.
 3. The method in accordance with claim 1 including thesteps of presenting a gaming event and accepting said fingerprint fromsaid player at one or more times during said gaming event, comparingsaid fingerprint with said stored fingerprint and permitting continuedparticipation in said gaming event if said accepted fingerprint and saidstored fingerprint match.
 4. The method in accordance with claim 3including the step of continuously accepting said fingerprint from saidplayer and comparing said accepted fingerprint with said storedfingerprint.
 5. The method in accordance with claim 1 including thesteps of creating a database of stored fingerprints of unauthorizedplayers and comparing said accepted fingerprint with said storedfingerprints of unauthorized players and preventing participating insaid gaming event if said accepted fingerprint and one of said storedfingerprints of unauthorized players match.
 6. The method in accordancewith claim 1 including the step of creating a database of storedfingerprints of particular categories of players.
 7. The method inaccordance with claim 6 wherein at least one of said categories ofplayers comprises a category of players who voluntarily wish to beexcluded from participating in gaming events at one or more times. 8.The method in accordance with claim 1 including providing a remotecentral database and storing said fingerprint and identification code atsaid database.
 9. A method of identifying a player for determiningentitlement of that player to participate in a gaming event presented bya first entity to said player located remotely comprising the steps of:verifying the identity of a potential player of a gaming event;confirming that the potential player is authorized to participate in agaming event in the future; obtaining biometric information regardingsaid potential player; generating an identification code; associatingsaid identification code with said biometric information; storing saidbiometric information and identification code at a database; obtaining arequest by a player to participate in a gaming event from a remotelocation; requesting an identification code from said player; obtainingan identification code from said player; obtaining biometric informationfrom said player at said remote location; transmitting said biometricinformation from said remote location to said first entity; comparingsaid biometric information with biometric information stored at saiddatabase which is associated with said obtained identification code; andtransmitting information permitting said player to participate in saidgaming event if said biometric information matches.
 10. The method inaccordance with claim 9 wherein said confirming step includes verifyingthat the potential player is of sufficient age to participate in agaming event.
 11. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein saidstep of obtaining biometric information regarding said potential playercomprises scanning a fingerprint of said player and said step ofobtaining biometric information from said player comprises scanning afingerprint of said player at said remote location.
 12. The method inaccordance with claim 11 wherein said step of scanning said fingerprintof said player at said remote location includes locating a fingerprintscanning device on a finger of said player.
 13. The method in accordancewith claim 11 wherein said step of scanning said fingerprint of saidplayer at said remote location includes pressing a finger against ascanning surface of a device.
 14. The method in accordance with claim 13wherein said scanning surface is located on a computer mouse.
 15. Themethod in accordance with claim 9 wherein said remote location comprisesa computer belonging to said player.
 16. The method in accordance withclaim 15 wherein said remote location comprises a hotel room.
 17. Themethod in accordance with claim 9 including the step of providing acommunication link between a remote device and a server of said firstentity, and wherein said obtained biometric information is transmittedfrom said remote device to said server via said communication link. 18.The method in accordance with claim 17 wherein said remote devicecomprises a computer belonging to said player.
 19. The method inaccordance with claim 17 wherein said remote device includes atelevision display.
 20. The method in accordance with claim 17 whereinsaid communication link includes the Internet.
 21. The method inaccordance with claim 17 wherein said step of transmitting informationcomprises transmitting game information from said server to said remotedevice using said communication link.
 22. The method in accordance withclaim 9 including the step of creating a database of stored fingerprintsof particular categories of players.
 23. The method in accordance withclaim 22 wherein at least one of said categories of players comprises acategory of players who voluntarily wish to be excluded fromparticipating in gaming events at one or more times.
 24. The method inaccordance with claim 22 wherein at least one of said categories ofplayers comprises unauthorized players.